Fit for literature and computer science | Jennifer, Dartmouth

Wellington is an international community that exposed me to cultural diversity. Every day, I immersed myself in this cultural exchange whether I was conversing with my friends and family in English and Chinese or learning French in my IB curriculum. Gradually, I was able to read and appreciate literature of different languages. As I have always been interested in feminist theory, I saw similarities and differences across cultures in depicting women’s struggles. These works gave me a more comprehensive understanding on the female identity and inspired me to find creative ways to fight oppression.

Now, I hope to realise my goals to combat gender inequality with computer science. During my IB CS IA, my computer science teacher introduced me to interdisciplinary projects, and I saw the potential applications of computer science in basically every area! Using machine learning, I was able to analyse Twitter texts and put them into various uses. Nonetheless, I believe it is essential to understand humanitarian issues before working with technology. Therefore, with the combination of CS and literature, I want to challenge the implicit biases in this digital age and give a voice to the marginalised so they can tell their stories. 

Of course, Dartmouth has rigorous programmes in both STEM and the humanities. It has an open curriculum that will allow me to do interdisciplinary studies. Moreover, its flexible academic schedule will enable me to take a term off any time for internships or studying abroad. I want to use this opportunity to travel and use the world as my classroom, learning interesting stories from the people I meet.

Dartmouth is a small and tight-knit community, just like Wellington. I love Wellington’s atmosphere that encourages different year groups to communicate and help each other. I want to form the same kinds of lifelong friendships at college too.

Dartmouth is also surrounded by nature. The school trips I took with Wellington instilled in me an appreciation for the natural environment. In my college years, I want to take rigorous academic courses, go on adventures with my friends on the Appalachian Trail and celebrate harvest dinners with the locals.

For my US applications, Mr Beard helped me organise my brainstorms for my essays. For my personal statement, I took quite an unconventional approach of using a parallel storyline. It was difficult to write at first, but after many meetings with Mr Beard, he helped me highlight the main ideas in my essay and clarify the structure. After organising my ideas, I produced the essay I wanted with the effect I intended.

For my UK applications, Mr Tippen helped me highlight the professionalism in my application. As Mr Tippen is an expert at UK applications, he knows what to expect in an essay. He helped me locate the most important points about my academic achievements, and this made my essay more succinct.

The uncertainty of the US admissions process. I applied to almost 30 schools, and I only got into four of them. It was a roller coaster! Nevertheless, I think these four schools really fit my personality and academic goals.

Follow your passion and then work hard. During my application season, I was really anxious at first. So, I decided to keep myself busy with study, music and sports. As I continued to work hard on my schoolwork, I let go of my anxiety. I believe with hard work, good results will follow. Despite the uncertainty of the future, trust the process; you will definitely get into a school that is your best fit.